KALAMAZOO -- John Bravata promotes himself in marketing material as a former Kalamazoo police officer.

He spent 15 months as a Kalamazoo Public Safety officer in the early 1990s, and his performance evaluations report a mix of praise and criticism, according to records obtained from the city of Kalamazoo under the Freedom of Information Act.

Bravata, 41, is a licensed insurance agent with an office in Portage who faces allegations of operating as an unregistered investment adviser.

Bravata worked for Public Safety from January 1990 until March 1991.

Records show that in July and August 1990, Bravata was given strong marks for his appearance and potential, but weak ratings for the accuracy and thoroughness of his work and for adherence to rules and procedures.

Two months later, another evaluation shows Bravata had improved in areas previously rated as weak and was praised for his ability as an investigator.

The final evaluation included in city records obtained by the Gazette, for the two months ended in January 1991, again gives Bravata weak marks in the category of following department rules and procedures. The report also mentions a "written reprimand for an accident."

Bravata's last day with the department was March 25, 1991. The reprimand was not included in the records provided by the city.

Bravata declined to comment on his employment with the department.

Kalamazoo City Attorney Clyde Robinson cited a state law making exempt from public disclosure records of discipline more than 4 years old.

When asked if Bravata's file included information about his departure from KDPS, Robinson said he couldn't disclose information involving Bravata's discipline record.